Joshua 5:9, 10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Psalm 34:2-7, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/031410.shtml
FORGIVENESS IS...
"While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was
deeply moved." —Luke 15:20
Some people think forgiveness means being nice to those who have offended
us. Forgiveness, however, is much more than that. It means actively
showing love and mercy to those who have mistreated us. Forgiveness is
given before our offenders apologize, and even if they never apologize or
stop mistreating us. Forgiveness is expressed affectionately. The father
of the prodigal son "ran out to meet him, threw his arms around his neck,
and kissed him" (Lk 15:20). Forgiveness means honoring our offenders by
giving them special gifts and throwing a party in their honor (Lk
15:22-23). Forgiveness is extending mercy, treating those who have
mistreated us much better than they deserve.
Forgiveness by God's standards is impossible by human power. "To err is
human, to forgive is divine." Because we're not divine, we can't do it.
However, Jesus is divine. He can forgive, and we can let it be done unto
us according to His word (Lk 1:38). In Jesus, we can forgive everyone who
has ever hurt us; we can be like the father of the prodigal son. We can
forgive by God's standards (Col 3:13). We can receive the miracle of
forgiveness, go forth as ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18), and
transform an unforgiving and merciless world into the image and likeness
of Christ.
Prayer: Forgiving Father, in this Lent may I change from merely not hating
my enemies into loving them.
Promise: "This means that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old order has passed away; now all is new!" —2 Cor 5:17
Praise: Praise You, Jesus, Mercy Incarnate. Praise You for forgiving us
even when we were Your enemies (Rm 5:10). I worship You forever.
(When we "Seek First the Kingdom of God" (retreat Apr. 16-17), we find
there is no room for unforgiveness. Call 937-587-5464.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 26, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment